Hood River gives vets a triple tribute

Hood River paid tribute to past and present members of the armed forces at three separate events on Saturday.

Veterans Day began with the annual ceremony at Overlook Memorial Park. Although the morning had been stormy, the 65 people in attendance were treated to a brief sun break during the outdoor service.

It was easy for even a casual observer to tell which branch of the military that a veteran had served with during the musical Armed Forces Salute. As the Gorge Brass Quintet began playing the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard songs, audience members took turns snapping to attention.

Keynote speaker Patti Smith urged citizens to become politically engaged to protect the freedoms given to them by the sacrifices of military personnel.

“To make our Constitution work, every citizen has a responsibility to vote and become involved in some volunteer purpose that benefits others,” said Smith. “To be an American is a great privilege. It is also a great responsibility.”